String model for the dynamics of glass-forming liquids

We test the applicability of a living polymerization theory to describe cooperative string-like particle rearrangement clusters (strings) observed in simulations of a coarse-grained polymer melt. The theory quantitatively describes the interrelation between the average string length L, configurational entropy S-conf, and the order parameter for string assembly Phi without free parameters. Combining this theory with the Adam-Gibbs model allows us to predict the relaxation time tau in a lower temperature T range than accessible by current simulations. In particular, the combined theories suggest a return to Arrhenius behavior near T-g and a low T residual entropy, thus avoiding a Kauzmann entropy crisis. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.